Derick Elomina discovered poker at 14, playing home games with his high school friends. What began as a pastime quickly grew into a passion that shaped his career. By 21, he entered the poker industry as a field reporter — just old enough to step foot inside the casino. Starting as a hand reporter, he steadily honed his craft, blending sharp observation with growing writing skills. Known for his dedication, he constantly roams the floor to capture the action, conduct interviews, and deliver live updates. With a strong commitment to the game and a passion for telling poker’s stories, Derick continues to build his path in the industry.

Updated: 2025.12.30

Seitaro Aso is a Japanese professional poker player who has established himself as a prominent figure in the Asian tournament circuit, particularly within the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and various regional festivals in the Philippines and Taiwan.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Seitaro Aso has total earnings of $165,137. He is currently ranked 157th on the Japan All Time Money List, a testament to his longevity and consistent results across the Asia-Pacific region. His career-best live cash of $26,183 highlights his ability to perform at a high level in major championship events.

Aso has been exceptionally active in 2025, recording a series of deep runs in PokerStars LIVE Manila in the Philippines. In April 2025, he secured a podium finish in a No Limit Hold’em event for PHP 348,000 (∼$6,150). He followed this success with a 13th-place finish in May 2025 for PHP 287,000 (∼$5,080) and a 47th-place finish in June 2025 for PHP 146,000 (∼$2,580). His historical successes include an APT title in 2017, where he won the Deep Stack Turbo event for HKD 14,400 (∼$1,850) after a dramatic final table comeback.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Aso has spent years as a traveling regular on the Asian circuit, maintaining residences in both Japan and the Philippines. This dual presence has allowed him to become a staple at major venues like the Resorts World Manila and the various hubs of the Asian Poker Tour.

His career trajectory shows a player who excels in the high-volume, diverse fields characteristic of Asian poker. Since his early trophy wins in 2017, Aso has steadily climbed the global rankings, recently surpassing the $100,000 milestone in total live earnings. His consistent presence at festivals like the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and APT demonstrates a dedicated commitment to the regional grind.

Play Style & Strategy

Aso is recognized for a resilient and opportunistic play style, a trait most famously displayed during his 2017 APT victory where he won three consecutive blind shoves to move from a short stack to the winner’s trophy. This “never-say-die” attitude makes him a dangerous opponent in fast-paced tournament formats like “Turbo” and “Deep Stack” events.

He is known for his ability to navigate late-stage tournament dynamics, often employing aggressive shoving strategies when short-stacked to rebuild his position. His success in massive fields across the Philippines and Taiwan suggest a strong understanding of exploitative play, allowing him to adapt to the varying aggression levels found in modern Asian tournament poker.

Recent Attendances